The Maharashtra government has given ‘desi’ (Indian breed) cows the status of ‘Rajyamata-Gomata’ (the mother of state), and the state cabinet has approved financial aid to encourage the desi breed upkeep and farming in ‘gaushalas’ (cow shelters).

A government resolution (GR) issued on Monday said that the cow had a unique importance for humankind. It is called ‘Kamdhenu’ because of its religious, scientific, and economic importance since the Vedic era. “The state also has several ‘desi’ breeds but their numbers have been declining,” it said.